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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it better to buy whole bean or ground coffee?

Without a doubt it is better to purchase whole beans and grind them immediately before brewing. Whole bean coffee stays fresh longer because there is less surface area exposed to oxygen. As soon as you grind the coffee, oxygen attacks every little coffee particle.

How do I buy Café Milagro products?

Buy now using Visa, MasterCard, Discover /Novus , American Express, Diners Club, and JCB cards. All prices and payments are in U.S. Dollars. Paypal is also available.

Our coffee is roasted fresh in Quepos, Costa Rica and then shipped to the US for distribution to our customers. You can expect your order to arrive within 10 days from the day you place your order. You will receive a Fed Ex tracking number as soon as your order is shipped. Non-US shipments will be sent via USPS and a tracking number will be provided to you as soon as your order ships.

Freshness is one of the key factors that effect the flavor in your cup. The general rule is "the fresher the better". That's why Cafe Milagro roasts your coffee immediately prior to shipment. We encourage you to buy enough coffee to get you through the next several weeks, not months.

How many cups will I get from a 340g/12 oz. bag of coffee?

Approximately 34 cups, depends on how strong you like the coffee.

How should I store my coffee?

You should keep your coffee in a cool, dry place in an airtight container or zip-lock bag. There are two schools of thought on where to store your coffee: 1) In the freezer. This definitely helps keep your coffee tasting fresher longer, but some claim the freezing process physically changes the structure of the flavorful oils. 2) The refrigerator. This method adheres to the general assumption that a cool, dry place is best. However, if you tend to leave things in the fridge too long, your prized Milagro beans could end up tasting like last month's fish!

What is the best method to brew Café Milagro?

This is purely a matter of personal opinion. The French press is probably the best home brewer and the percolator should be avoided. If you are a slave to the convenience of the automatic drip coffee maker, be aware the quality of your brew will vary immensely depending on the quality of the unit. Some brew too hot ( burnt/bitter) and some too cold (watery/weak). If you or someone you know finds a coffee maker that works well, keep it in a locked cabinet and guard it with your life!

How much coffee should I use?

Lance uses approximately one tablespoon of ground coffee for each six ounces of water.

What kind of water should I use?

Start with cold, clean water fresh from the tap (you want oxygen bubbles in it). Preferably non chlorinated well water or filtered tap water. Do not use distilled water as it lacks desired oxygen and minerals. Please refrain from using bottled water as it unnecessarily contributes plastic to our environment. Even in First World countries, an unacceptable amount of plastic bottles still end up in landfills or bodies of water. For the French press or Costa Rican coffee sock, bring the water to a boil then remove it from the heat. Wait for it to stop boiling (about 1 minute after removing from heat) before pouring it over the ground coffee.

How should I keep my brewed coffee hot?

For best results, no matter which brewing method you use, transfer the coffee into an airtight thermos. Do not leave brewed coffee on a burner for more than 20 minutes. The burner will do its job and BURN the coffee. At the same time, oxygen will enter the opening of most common coffee pots and make your coffee taste bitter.

How should I grind my coffee?

French Press (Press pot) - Coarse grind.Automatic Drip Brewer (coffee maker) - Medium grindEspresso (cappuccino) – Fine powder. Your shot should be complete in 17-20 seconds. If it comes out faster, your grind it too course. If you’ve reached the 20 second mark and you still don’t have a shot, your grind is too fine.

How does Café Milagro grind its coffee?

Our espresso is ground for use in espresso machines. All the other coffees are ground for drip coffee makers.

Espresso is a method of coffee preparation. Hot, pressurized water is forced through finely ground, compacted (tamped) coffee to produce an ounce of concentrated coffee. Espresso can be enjoyed alone, or combined with steamed milk to create a cappuccino or cafe latte. In addition to the extra strong burst of coffee flavor, espresso adds another dimension to the coffee experience; mouth feel or a thick, heavy sensation on the tongue. Contrary to popular belief, a shot of espresso usually contains less caffeine than a cup of brewed coffee.

Is it okay to reheat coffee in the microwave or stove?

Coffee should never be reheated. It will destroy the flavor. To keep your coffee hot after brewing, place it in an airtight thermos.

How is Café Milagro packaged?

We use high-quality foil bags with one-way valves to seal in the fresh-from-the-roaster taste. Bags have a tin tie so you the coffee stays fresh even after you open the bag.

Why don't you offer Café Milagro coffee in k-cups?

We are a small, boutique coffee roaster and this endeavor would not be cost-effective for us. We have many loyal Café Milagro customers who continue to enjoy their favorite coffee by using a reusable K-cup inserts that are typically included with the Keurig machines or can be purchased separately. We understand that it's not as convenient as the pre-loaded pods, but it certainly is more environmentally conscientious!

Do you have flavored coffee?

All of Café Milagro's coffees are 100% pure. We do not offer any coffees with flavor additives.

Café Milagro Coffee Roasters has been located in Quepos, Costa Rica, since 1994. Our café and restaurant, El Patio de Café Milagro, is located just minutes away on the Main Road to Manuel Antonio National Park.

Side Note: Costa Rica is lacking physical street addresses and as a result, Google Maps does not recognize Manuel Antonio as its own town. Thus, if you search for any Manuel Antonio business location within Google Maps, the provided address will be listed as Quepos, which is the 'county' (for lack of a better term) in which Manuel Antonio exists.

Is it easy to get to Café Milagro if I want to visit?

Most major airlines have daily flights to Costa Rica. Once you arrive in San Jose, you can travel to Quepos by bus or car (2.5 hours) or plane (20 minutes). The Quepos-Manuel Antonio area is extremely small and easy to get around. Refer to the area map on our website or ask anyone in town once you get here, "¿Dónde está Café Milagro?”

We appreciate businesses with great taste. You can find Café Milagro coffee at these great locations: